Climate change is no longer a distant threat-it is a lived reality for millions across Southern Africa. Extreme weather events, floods, and droughts are eroding livelihoods and deepening poverty. Social protection systems, traditionally designed to cushion economic shocks, now face an urgent challenge: integrating climate resilience.
To address this, the ILO Regional Programme on Social Protection, funded by the Government of Ireland, partnered with the Southern African Social Protection Experts Network (SASPEN) to convene SASPEN's 12th International Conference in Blantyre, Malawi, from 25-27 November 2025.
Held under the theme "Climate Resilience and Social Protection: Addressing the Needs of Disaster-Impacted Communities and Strengthening Social Protection Systems," the event brought together policymakers, social partners, civil society, and international organizations to explore adaptive strategies for climate shocks.
The conference provided a critical platform for policy dialogue on bridging the climate response gap and ensuring vulnerable communities are not left behind.
Discussions highlighted persistent gaps: limited government ownership, weak institutional capacity, and heavy donor dependence-factors that leave millions exposed to climate risks.
Gracing the event, Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare, Ms. Mary Navicha, reaffirmed government commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.
"Our National Social Protection Policy provides a renewed pathway for strengthening adaptive programmes, expanding resilient livelihoods, and supporting Malawi 2063," said Ms. Navicha.
© ILO
Ireland's Ambassador to Malawi, Ms. Kate Brady, commended Malawi's progress in strengthening social protection systems.
"Malawi has made significant strides in expanding e-payments, strengthening the Social Registry, and rolling out cash-plus components. To sustain this momentum, we must prioritize increased domestic financing, stronger shock-responsive systems, and deeper cross-sector linkages for resilience," Ms. Brady emphasized.
© ILO
Insights from SASPEN's 12th Conference will inform Malawi's new policy and the Global Accelerator National Roadmap, reinforcing that investments in robust social protection systems yield long-term dividends for resilience and inclusive growth.
